Kid's Paddle-Pusher: A Free Plan for a 4 ft Children's Boat
Hi Sibley's 48 in children's paddle boat has a marine plywood deck and bottom, pine sides and end buoyancy chambers.
The Kid's Paddle-Pusher is a pint-sized boat for pint-sized sailors. Hi Sibley designed it at just 48 in (1.2 m) long and 20 in (0.5 m) wide. The deck and bottom are 3/8 in. marine plywood, the sides are pine, and buoyancy chambers sit in each end. It is a quick, two-sheet weekend project that can lead to a summer of splashing.
Kid's Paddle-Pusher at a glance
| Detail | Kid's Paddle-Pusher |
|---|---|
| Type | Children's paddle boat |
| Length | 48 in (1.22 m) |
| Beam | 20 in (0.51 m) |
| Construction | 3/8 in. marine plywood deck and bottom, pine sides; buoyancy chambers in each end |
| Designer | Hi Sibley |
| Plan sheets | 2 |
Small, simple and safe
Buoyancy chambers at each end help the boat stay afloat if it fills with water, an important feature for children. Marine plywood for the deck and bottom resists moisture better than ordinary sheet goods. Both details make the little boat more forgiving for young paddlers.
Pine sides are easy to cut and shape, and the tiny size means you need very little material. Two sheets keep the plan easy to follow. It is a lovely first project to build with a child, who can help sand, paint and name the boat before launching it on a calm summer day.
The original plan sheets
These are the 2 original sheets, scanned from the magazine. For building, use the full-size PDF in the download section below.
Who designed it
Hi Sibley designed the Kid's Paddle-Pusher. The two sheets cover the plywood deck and bottom, the pine sides and the buoyancy chambers. It is a small, satisfying project for parents and children to build together.
Before you build
- Seal the buoyancy chambers carefully and test them in a bathtub or pool before the first outing.
- Round over every edge and corner, since small hands and knees will find any sharp spot.
- Use it only in shallow, calm water with an adult watching and a life jacket on the child.
Download the plan
Both original sheets for the Kid's Paddle-Pusher in one file, ready to print for a weekend build.
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